SMD marking

3Bin SOT-23

Marking codes are not standardised, and the same code is reused by unrelated makers for unrelated parts. Below is every part in our tables printed with it, and any printed with a code that is easy to misread as it, from the manufacturers' own marking tables.

3 parts are printed 3B

Not sure which one you have?

Answer up to 4 quick questions and these 3 parts are ranked, with a meter test that settles it. It works on a dead part too.

BC856BSOT-23PNP transistor, InfineonPNP transistorInfineon
What it is
PNP transistor
Maker
Infineon
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
-80 V PNP small-signal transistor, gain group B
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Black probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC856B, opens in a new tab
BC856BHSOT-23PNP transistor, Taiwan SemiconductorPNP transistorTaiwan Semiconductor
What it is
PNP transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Black probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC856BH, opens in a new tab
1 more part has no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
- VBUS03N1-DD1ESD protection diode, VishayESD protection diodeVishay
  What it is
  ESD protection diode
  Maker
  Vishay
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  Ultra Low Capacitance Bidirectional Symmetrical (BiSy) Single Line ESD Protection Diode in DFN1006-2B
  Source
  From the manufacturer's datasheet
  Is it dead?
  Diode range, from the protected line to ground, part lifted if you can.
  Working, it reads
  A one-way part reads about 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse. A two-way part reads open both ways. Arrays with several lines read as the datasheet's diagram draws them.
  Dead, it reads
  From the line to ground, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
  A reading both ways on a one-way part: leaky.
  A one-way part open both ways: failed open.
  On the board:
  On the board, a line reading shorted to ground can be this part or anything else on that line. Lift it: if the short goes with it, it has failed.
  Compare:
  The same part on the next line or connector pin is the healthy reading to compare with.
  Watch for:
  A two-way part reads open both ways when it is good, exactly like one that has failed open. The meter cannot tell them apart; an identical part on the next line can.
  A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
  Datasheetfor VBUS03N1-DD1, opens in a new tab

25 more parts have codes that begin with 3B

Codes that begin with 3B

For a marking with its end worn or burnt off. Each one shows its full printed code.

PLZ3V0Bprinted 3B0Zener diode, VishayZener diodeVishay
Printed 3B0. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
3 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PLZ3V0B, opens in a new tab
PLZ3V3Bprinted 3B3Zener diode, VishayZener diodeVishay
Printed 3B3. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
3.3 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PLZ3V3B, opens in a new tab
PLZ3V6Bprinted 3B6Zener diode, VishayZener diodeVishay
Printed 3B6. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
3.6 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PLZ3V6B, opens in a new tab
PLZ3V9Bprinted 3B9Zener diode, VishayZener diodeVishay
Printed 3B9. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
3.9 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PLZ3V9B, opens in a new tab
AOC3860printed 3860Dual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3860. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3860, opens in a new tab
AOC3860Aprinted 3860ADual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3860A. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3860A, opens in a new tab
AOC3860Cprinted 3860CDual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3860C. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3860C, opens in a new tab
AOC3862printed 3862Dual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3862. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3862, opens in a new tab
AOC3864printed 3864Dual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3864. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3864, opens in a new tab
AOC3868printed 3868Dual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3868. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3868, opens in a new tab
AOC3870printed 3870Dual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3870. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3870, opens in a new tab
AOC3870Aprinted 3870ADual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3870A. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3870A, opens in a new tab
AOC3870Sprinted 3870SDual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3870S. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3870S, opens in a new tab
AOC3878printed 3878Dual N-channel MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorDual N-channel MOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3878. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Dual N-channel MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Common-drain dual N-channel battery MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AOC3878, opens in a new tab
AON3818printed 3818MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3818. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AON3818, opens in a new tab
AON3820printed 3820MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 3820. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AON3820, opens in a new tab
AONE38132printed 38132MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38132. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONE38132, opens in a new tab
AONP38324printed 38324MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38324. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONP38324, opens in a new tab
AONP38324Uprinted 38324UMOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38324U. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONP38324U, opens in a new tab
AONS38108printed 38108MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38108. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONS38108, opens in a new tab
AONS38203printed 38203MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38203. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONS38203, opens in a new tab
AONX38168printed 38168MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38168. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONX38168, opens in a new tab
AONX38168Aprinted 38168AMOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38168A. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONX38168A, opens in a new tab
AONX38320printed 38320MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed 38320. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor AONX38320, opens in a new tab
SMPZ3938Bprinted 38BZener diode, VishayZener diodeVishay
Printed 38B. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
36 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor SMPZ3938B, opens in a new tab

Open this in the search to correct a character or try another package.

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